Caldecott Honor artist Brian Selznick's has 284 pencil drawings and actual photos (an old train engine falling from upper story to street below, Harold Lloyd in "Safety Lost", film stills) basing his story on facts. Automatons who could draw pictures, write poems, and sign the maker's name Maillardet, really existed, neglected in a museum. George Méliès, 1861 magician turned film-maker, son of shoemaker-magnate, built his own camera Kinétographe, and was rediscovered in 1926 working at his Gare Montparness railroad station toy kiosk. Fiction: orphan clock-winder 1931 Paris lad Hugo steals to eat and repair robot from father's notebook, until he meets Méliès' pretty god-daughter Isabelle accompanied by helpful film student Etienne. An unusual blend of graphic novel and history lesson results.
My Rating: 4/5
When I got this book from the Library I didn't know that it was a graphic novel. This is the first graphic novel that I have read. I actually spent more time looking at the pictures than reading the text.
The pictures are really amazing, even more amazing considering the author drew them himself.
However, this book is so much better than very good drawings, the story is very captivating and enthralling.
Every aspect of the book has so much clarity and depth especially the characters and settings.
I LOVE this book! Anything by that author is bond to be delightful!
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